Switching devices

ABSTRACT

A switching device of the electromechanical type including a push button actuator, a permanent magnet for keeping the actuator in the operated position, and an electromagnet which is energizable to neutralize the permanent magnet field and allow the actuator to return to its unoperated position.

United States Patent McCloskey et al. July 4, 1972 541 SWITCHING DEVICES3,488,6ll mm Harper "335/110 [72] Inventor-s2. Fmimo" G. Mccmhy; wiuhmRobe 3,234,363 2/1966 McCloskey...v ..200/67 D Columbus, FOREIGN PATENTS0R APPLICATIONS 1 Assisnw Columbus Electric 1,515,523 1/1970 Germany..335/170 Columbus, Ohio i F] d: 56 L 16 1970 Primary Examiner-l-laroldBroome [22] l e Attorney-Strauch, Nolan, Neale, Nies & Kurz [21] Appl.No.-: 72,607

[57] ABSTRACT [52] US. C1...; ..335/164, 335/179, 335/229 A switchingdevice of the electromechanical type including a [5 l] Int. Cl. ..H0l1|9/20 ush button actuator, a permanent magnet for keeping the ac- [58]Field of Search ..335/ 164, I70, l74, 179, 229, tuator in the operatedposition, and an electromagnet which is 23 9 energizable to neutralizethe permanent magnet field and allow the actuator to return to itsunoperated position. [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 11Claims, 7 Drawing Figures 3,109,906 11/1963 Abendroth'. ..335/170 l5 l019853140 3 52 i4 128 I26 37 |22 p SWITCHING DEVICES This inventionrelates to switches and, more particularly, to novel, improved switchingdevices of electromechanical type.

The primary object of the present invention is the provision of novel,improved switching devices of the character described in the precedingparagraph.

Generally speaking, the novel switching devices of the presentinvention, by which the foregoing and other objects are achieved,include a switch module and an operator 37 and 38 extend. A cover (notshown in FIG. 6) is secured to base 40.

Housing 40 includes an upper contact support portion 44 and a lowercontact support portion 45. A central projecting fixed contact arms 50and 52. A similar channel is provided module. The switch module includesone or more switches and a spring loaded,.snap-acting operator foractuating the switch or effecting simultaneous actuation of all switchesif multiple switches are employed.

The operator module includes a push button actuator for transferring thespring loaded operator in the switch module from a rest positionto anoperated position to actuate the switch or switches in the switchmodule. This module also includes a permanent magnet for maintaining thepush button actuator and the spring loaded operator in their operatedpositions and an electromagnet which is energizable to neutralize thefield of the permanent magnet. This allows the spring loaded operator inthe switch module to return to its unoperated position, which restoresthe push button actuator to its rest position and deactuates the switchor switches in the switch module.

The principle object of the invention has been identified above. Otherimportant objects as well as the important features and the advantagesof the invention will become apparent from the appended claims and asthe ensuing detailed description and discussion proceeds in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a switching device constructed in accord withthe principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a left-hand end view of the switching device of FIG. I;

FIG. 3 is a section through an operator module employed in the switchingdevice of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a left-hand end view of theoperator module;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a switch module employed in the switchingdevice of FIG. 1, part of the casing of themodule being broken away toshow its internal components; 1

FIG. 6 is a side view of one type of switch which may be employed in theswitch module, part of the switch casing being broken away to show itsinternal components; and

FIG. 7 is an electrical schematic for a second form of the invention.

Referring now to the drawing, FIG. 1 depicts a novel electromechanicalswitching device 10 constructed in accord with the principles of thepresent invention. The major components of switching device 10 are aswitch module 12 and an operator module 14.

Switch module 12 includes a frame 16 supporting a plurality of switches18 and a spring loaded, snap-acting type switch operator 20. Theoperator module includes a frame 22 of magnetic material housing a pushbutton type actuator or plunger 24 also of magnetic material, apermanent magnet 26, and an electromagnet 28. Switch module 12 isdetachably connected to operator module 14 by a retainer 30 incorporatedin the latter.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 5, the frame 16 of switch module 12 is aU-shaped member having side walls 32 and 34 and an end wall 36. Switches18 (four in the illustrated embodiment of the invention) are supportedbetween the side walls 32 and 34 of frame 16 as by rivets 37 and 38,which extend through the switches and the side walls of the frame.

Different types of switches may be employed in electromechanicalswitching devices constructed in accord with the principles of thepresent invention. The switch identified by reference character 18 inthe drawing and shown in detail in FIG. 6 is typical.

Turning now to the latter figure, switch 18 consists generally of asubstantially rectangular housing or base 40 provided with apertures 42at its comers through which rivets between bosses 46 and 48 to receive acentral, movable contact arm assembly 54. 7

Inside of the housing cavity, further upper and lower channels 56 and58, which are symmetrical about the horizontal centerline of the switchhousing, are provided for receiving the ends of the switch actuatingmember 64. A vertical through bore (not shown) is provided in the upperhousing wall 67 to receive a slidably mounted, push button type actuator68.

Upper fixed contact arm 50 is rigid and has a contact 70 at its innerend and a terminal 72 at its outer end. Lower contact arm 52 is formedin the same manner as upper contact arm 50 and has a contact 74 and aterminal 76.

Movable contact arm assembly 54 includes a terminal 78 and a flexiblecontact arm 80 which is formed from a suitable resilient metal such asberyllium copper. A contact 82 extending through and secured to the freeend of the contact arm is engageable with fixed contact 74 when actuator68 is in the illustrated rest position and with fixed contact 70 whenthe actuator is depressed.

At the right side of contact 82 an abrupt deformation or bend is formedin contact arm 80 to provide an arched or arcuate portion 88. Sincearcuate portion 88 is made of a resilient material, the force at thebend always urges contact 82 into engagement with one of the associatedfixed contacts 70 or 74. Which contact is engaged by the associatedmovable contact depends upon whether the free end of arcuate contact armportion 88 is below or above the horizontal centerline of the switchbetween fixed contacts 70 and 74.

Actuating member 64, which is substantially U-shaped, has an upper leg92 and a lower leg 94 connected by an end section 96. The free ends ofthese legs are bent at right angles to secure actuating member 64 inchannels 56 and 58. Sufficient clearance is providedso that the onlycontact which actuating member 64 has with housing 40 is in thesechannels. The free end of arcuate contact arm portion 88 is positionedat the bottom of a depression forming a stiffening ridge (not shown) inactuator end section 96. A simple frictional connection is thus providedwhich retains the contact arm section 88 in the desired arched form andwhich causes its free end to move up and down with the central sectionof switch actuating member 64. When push button actuator 68 is presseddownwardly (as shown in FIG. 6), the legs 92 and 94 of main actuatingmember 64 are flexed with bending occuring in the upper and lower legsnear the fixed points in channels 58 and 60 and flexing occurring in itscurved sections.

Switches of the type described above and illustrated in FIG. 6 aredescribed in more detail in US. Pat. Nos. 3,248,496 issued Apr. 26, 1966and 3,234,343 issued Feb. 8, 1966, which are hereby incorporated byreference.

Snap-acting switch operator 20 is movable between the illustrated restposition and an operated position. Upon movement to the operatedposition, operator 20 depresses switch actuators 68, transferring themovable contacts 82 of switches 18 from fixed contacts 74 to fixedcontacts 70. As the operator returns to the rest position, actuators 68are released, and the internal actuating members 64 of the switchestransfer movable contacts 82 from fixed contacts 70 back to fixedcontacts 74.

tending in a generally vertical direction with switch module 12 orientedas shown in FIG. 5, an integral actuator portion 114, and laterallyextending ears 1 16 (only one of which is shown). Bars 116 are disposedin and extend through notches 118'in the lower edges of the side walls32 and 34 of switch module frame 16, pivotally supporting the memberfrom the side walls of the frame.

Push button actuator operated member 108 of the snap-acting mechanism issupported in switch module frame 16 in generally parallel spacedrelationship to member 106 by laterally extending integral ears 120,which are disposed in and extend through recesses 122 at the upper edgesof frame side walls 32 and 34 adjacent the rear or end wall 36 of theframe. I

At its upper end, spring 110 of the snap-acting mechanism is hookedthrough an aperture (not shown) adjacent the upper end of pivotalactuator member l06.'The lower end of the spring is hooked through asimilar aperture (likewise not shown) fonned in an upturned, integralportion 124 of snapacting operator member 108.

Also included in switch module 12 are sheets or strips of electricalinsulation 126. As shown in FIG. 2, these strips are located betweenadjacent switches 18 and between the outermost switches 18 and sidewalls 32 and 34 of switch module frame 16. Insulator strips 126eliminate inadvertent electrical contact between leads (not shown)attached to switch terminals 72, 76, and 78.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the frame 22 of operator module 14includes a generally U-shaped member 128 having side walls 130 and 132and an end wall 134 together with an end plate 136 fixed to member 128as by screws 138 and lock washers 140. At the right-hand end of theoperator module (oriented as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3), a threaded mount142 extends through an aperture 144 of frame end wall 134. Annularflanges 145 and 146 formed on-mount 142 engage opposite sides of the endwall to secure the mount in place. Mount 142 is adapted to be insertedthrough an aperture in a support member (not shown). A nut 148 is thenthreaded on the mount to secure switching device 10 to the supportingmember.

Located at the opposite end of frame member 128 adjacent inturnedintegral flanges 150 (only one of which is shown) is the permanentmagnet 26 referred to above. Magnet 26 has a cylindrical configurationand is secured in place by tabs 152 bent from the side walls 130 and 132of operator module frame member 128.

Electromagnet 28 is disposed adjacent permanent magnet 26 and isseparated from it by a washer 154 of a magnetic material.

As shown in FIG. 3, electromagnet 28 includes a spool-like coil support155 having parallel flanges 156 and 158 and a hub 160. Wound on hub 160between flanges 156 and 158 is a coil 162, the opposite ends of whichare connected to terminals 164 and 166. Coil 162 is surrounded by orpotted in insulating material identified generally by referencecharacter 168.

Electromagnet 28 is maintained in juxtaposition to permanent magnet 26by a compression spring 170 disposed between end wall 134 of operatormodule frame member 128 and flange 156 of electromagnet coil support155. This spring biases electromagnet 28 to the left as shown in FIG. 3to maintain it in engagement with magnetic washer 154 and the washer inengagement with the permanent magnet.

Actuator 24 includes a push button portion 172 accessible from theexterior of operator module 14. Push button 172 is attached to acylindrical member 174 of magnetic material, which constitutes thearmature of electromagnet 28. Integral with the left-hand end ofarmature 174 and extending through the left-hand end of the operatormodule casing is a pin 176 dimensioned to engage the pivotal member 108of the snapacting operator 20 in switch module 12.

Plunger 24 is supported for rectilinear, back and forth movement in abore 178 in mount 142, and in a bore 180 formed in a bushing 181 ofmagnetic material at the left-hand end of operator module 14.Radially'extending flange portions 182 and 184 on the bushing engageopposite sides of operator module end plate 136, securing the bushing tothis member.

Movement of actuator 24 to. the left as shown in FIG. 3 is limited bythe engagement of the left-hand end 186 of armature 174 with the flange184 on bushing 181. Movement ofthe actuator to the right as shown inthis figure is limited by the engagement between an annular shoulder 188on push button 172 and a cooperating internal shoulder190 in mount 142.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the retainer 30 by which switch module12 is detachably connected to operator module 14 is fixed to bushing 181as by staking it onto the reduced diameter portion 192 of the bushing. Atab 194 on the retainer as shown in FIG. 4 projects into a notch. 196 inthe bushing and prevents relative rotation between these two components.

A hook-like portion 198 is formed at the upper edge of retainer 30. Asshown in FIG. 1, this portion of the retainer fits over the upper edgeof the rear wall 36 of switch module frame 16 to secure this edge of theframe to operator module 14. Two spaced apart, integral clip portions200 and 202 are formed at the lower side of the retainer. As is alsoshown in FIG. 1, these are configured to snap over the lower edge ofrear wall 36 of frame 16 to secure the lower edge of the frame to theoperator module.

The switch module can be readily attached to the operator module byinserting the upper edge of wall member 36 in retainer portion 198 androtating the module in a counterclockwise direction to snap the retainerportions 200 and 202 over the lower edge of wall 36. Conversely, theswitch module can be readily separated from the operator module byreversing this sequence of steps.

Plunger 24 is shown in its rest or unoperated position in FIG. 1. Fromthis position, the plunger may be depressed, moving it to the left (withrespect to FIGS. 1 and 3) to the operative position shown in FIG. 3. Asplunger 24 moves to t the left, the pin 176 at its left-hand end pivotsinput member 108 of snap-acting operator 20 in a clockwise direction. Asthis pivotal movement continues, the actuator member 106 of themechanism pivots in a clockwise direction, this occuring with a snapaction because of the manner in which spring is connected between thetwo pivotal members of mechanism 20. As member 106 pivots, actuatorportion 114 moves upwardly, depressing (moving upward as shown in FIG.5) the actuators 68 of switches 18. As explained above, this transfersthe movable contacts of the switches from engagement with fixed contacts74 into engagement with fixed contacts 70. This interrupts the circuitcontinuity between switch terminals 76 and 78 and establishes continuitybetween switch terminals 72 and 78.

Plunger 24 is retained in the operated position shown in FIG. 3 bypermanent magnet 26 against the restoring force of spring 110, themagnetic flux following a path through operater module frame 22, washer154, annature 174, and bushing 181 which are all made from magneticmaterials as discussed above. To restore the plunger to the restposition of FIG. 1 and allow the movable switch contacts 82 to transferback into engagement with fixed contacts 74 in switches 18, the coil 162of electromagnet 28 is energized by connecting terminals 164 and 166 ofthe operator module across a source of DC operating voltage. Coil 162 isso wound and the DC voltage so applied that, when the coil is energized,the poles of the electromagnet will oppose those of the permanentmagnet, neutralizing the field of the latter. When this occurs, spring110 causes snap acting mechanism members 106 and 108 to rotate in acounterclockwise direction, moving plunger 24 to the right to its restposition, where it is held by the bias exerted by spring 1 10.

In a typical embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic field ofelectromagnet 28 will be greater than that of the permanent magnet. As aresult, there will be an imbalance of magnetic forces to aid inreturning the plunger to the rest position.

In a variant of the above-described mode of operation, the coil 162 ofthe electromagnet is energized as plunger 24 is depressed. In thesecircumstances, the permanent magnet is not capable of keeping theplunger in the operated position since its magnetic field is neutralizedby that of the electromagnet. In this type of operation, therefore,pressure must be maintained on plunger 24 to keep it in the operatedpositron.

For the mode of operation just described, the wiring arrangement 204illustrated in FIG. 7 may be employed. Referring now to this Figure, thecoil 162 of electromagnet 28 is connected in series with terminals 72and 78 of one of the switches 18 in module 12 and in series with asource of operating voltage 206, which will typically be AC in thiscase. In electromagnetic switching arrangement 204, coil 162 is notenergized until plunger 24 is depressed to transfer the movable contact82 of the switch into engagement with its fixed contact 70 in the mannerdescribed above. This arrangement has several advantages. First, iteliminates the need for a DC power supply and also the continuouscurrent drain through the electromagnet coil, which may amount to 2 to 3watts per unit. Furthermore, since less current flows through the coilover a given period, the generation of heat is reduced, which can be adecided advantage in many applications of the present invention.Finally, if an AC source is employed, a 60 cycle vibration will be setup in the push button 172 of the plunger. This makes the operator awarethat the plunger is in the operated position.

As discussed above, the electromechanical switching devices of thepresent invention may use switches other than the type illustrated inFIG. 6. Also, one as opposed to a bank of switches may be employed.Other modifications will readily occur to those conversant with the artsto which the present invention relates. To the extent that these are notexpressly excluded from the appended claims, they are fully intended tobe covered therein.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The presentembodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention beingindicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription, and all changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent 1. Anelectromechanical switching device comprising at least one switch havinga contact and an actuator displaceable to transfer the contact from oneto the other of two positions; a switch operator which is distinct fromsaid switch and is movable from a rest position to an operated positionto displace said switch actuator and thereby effect a transfer of saidcontact; a push button actuator which is distinct from said switchoperator and is movable between rest and operated positions, said pushbutton actuator including means comprising an armature for moving saidswitch operator to the operated position thereof as said push buttonactuator is moved to its operated position; a permanent magnetcooperable with said armature to maintain said push button actuator inthe operated position and thereby maintain the switch operator in itsoperated position; and an electromagnet energizable to neutralize thepermanent magnet field and thereby allow said push button actuator andsaid switch operator to return to the rest positions thereof.

2. The electromechanical switching device of claim 1, wherein there area plurality of switches as aforesaid disposed in side-by-siderelationship, said switch operator being dimensioned to engage theactuators of all of saidswitches and thereby concurrently effect thetransfer of the contacts of the several switches.

3. The electromechanical switching device of claim 1, wherein saidswitch operator is physically and operationally located between saidpush button actuator and said switch actuator and wherein said switchoperator includes biasing means for displacing the switch operator andthe push button actuator to their rest positions upon neutralization ofthe permanent magnet field. 1

4. The electromechanical switching device of claim 2,

wherein there are means in at least one of said switches for completinga circuit between two terminals thereof when the switch contact istransferred by displacement of the switch actuator and including circuitmeans for connecting the coil of the electromagnet in series with saidterminals of said one switch and a source of operating voltage, wherebysaid electromagnet is energized when said actuator is in the actuatedposition thereof.

5. An electromechanical switching device comprising at least one switchhaving a contact and an actuator displaceable to transfer the contactfrom one to the other of two positions; a switch operator which isdistinct from said switch and is movable from a rest position to anoperated position to dis place said switch actuator and thereby effect atransfer of said contact; a first frame housing said switch and saidswitch operator; a push button actuator movable between rest andoperated positions, said push button actuator including means comprisingan armature for moving said switch operator to the operated positionthereof as said push button actuator is moved to its operated position;a permanent magnet surrounding said armature for maintaining said pushbutton actuator in the operated position thereof to thereby maintain theswitch operator in its operated position; an electromagnet surroundingsaid armature, said electromagnet being energizable to neutralize thepermanent magnet field and thereby allow said push button actuator andsaid switch operator to return to the rest positions thereof; and asecond frame housing said push button actuator, said permanent magnet,and said electromagnet.

6. The electromechanical switching device of claim 5, wherein saidsecond frame has an end wall and including means between said end walland said electromagnet for biasing said electromagnet against saidpermanent magnet.

7. An electromechanical switching device comprising at least one switchhaving a contact and an actuator displaceable to transfer the contactfrom one to the other of two positions; a switch operator whichisdistinct from said switch movable from a rest position to an operatedposition to displace said switch actuator and thereby effect a transferof said contact; a push button actuator movable between rest andoperated positions, said push button actuator including means comprisingan armature for moving said switch operator to the operated positionthereof as said push button actuator is moved to its operated position;a permanent magnet cooperable with said armature to maintain said pushbutton actuator in the operated position thereof and thereby maintainthe switch operator in its operated position; and an electromagnetenergizable to neutralize the permanent magnet field and thereby allowsaid push button actuator and said switch operator to return to the restpositions thereof, said switch operator being of the snap-acting typeand comprising a first pivotally mounted member having a portion thereofengageable with said switch actuator; a second member mounted forpivotal movement about an axis located in parallel, spaced relationshipto the pivot axis of said first member; and a spring connected betweensaid first and second members at locations removed from the pivot axesof said members and said push button actuator being positioned to engageand pivot said second member as said actuator is moved from its restposition to its operated position.

8. The electromechanical switching device of claim 7, wherein saidswitch compiises a housing having top, bottom, and end walls; a pair ofelongated, spaced, substantially rigid, cantilevered contact armssecured to one of said end walls and extending toward the other endwall; fixed contacts on the facing surfaces of said rigid contact armsat the free ends thereof; a resilient, elongated contact ann extendingbetween said rigid arms and secured to said one end wall; contact meanson the opposite surfaces of said resilient contact arm positioned toalternatively engage one or the other of said fixed contacts; saidactuator including an actuator member mounted for movement in adirection generally perpendicular to the centerline of said resilientarm for controlling movement thereof, said actuator member having anupper leg; means coupling the resilient contact arm to the actuatormember at a position between the actuator member and the movablecontacts for effecting a snap movement of the resilient arm to move thedisengaged movable contact into engagement with the associated fixedcontact; and integral backing portions extending from said one end wallbetween said resilient contact arm and each of the rigid contact armstoward the other end wall.

9. An electromechanical switching device comprising a switch modulewhich includes a frame, a switch disposed in said frame, and a springloaded mechanism distinct from said switch for actuating the switch; anoperator module compristuator, a second member pivotally supported bysaid frame for v pivotal movement about an axis located in parallel,spaced relationship to the pivot axis of said first member, and a springconnected between said first and second members at locations removedfrom the pivot axes of said members; and an operator v module distinctfrom said switch module comprising a frame,

ing a frame, a push button type actuator in said framefor operating theactuating mechanism in the switch module, means comprising said pushbutton actuator and a permanent magnet for maintaining the push buttonactuator in the operated position, and an electromagnet energizable toneutralize the permanent magnet field and allow the push button actuatorand the switch actuating mechanism to return to rest positions, saidpermanent magnet and said electromagnet being housed in said operatormodule frame; and means for detachably fixing the frame of said switchmodule to the frame of the operator module comprising a retainer fixedto the frame of said operator module, said retainer having means at oneend thereof for receiving one edge of the switch module frame and atleast one resilient finger means at the opposite end thereof forengaging an opposite edge of said switch module frame.

10. An electromechanical switching device comprising a a push buttontype actuator in said frame movable between restand operated positions,said push button actuator having means including an armature for movingthe switch operator to the operated position thereof as said push buttonactuator is moved to its operated position, a permanent magnet whichsurrounds and is cooperable with said armature to maintain said pushbutton actuator in the operated position thereof and thereby maintainthe switch operator in its operated position,

and an electromagnet adjacent the permanent magnet and surrounding saidarmature which is energizable to neutralize the permanent magnet fieldand thereby allow said push button actuator and said switch operator tobe returned to the rest positions thereof by the spring in said switchoperator.

11. The electromechanical switching device of claim 10, together withmeans for detachably fixing the frame of said switch module to the frameof the operator module which comprises a retainer fixed to the frame ofsaid operator module, said retainer having means at one end thereof forreceiving one edge of the switch module frame and at least one resilientfinger means at the opposite end thereof for engaging an opposite edgeof said switch module frame.

1. An electromechanical switching device comprising at least one switchhaving a contact and an actuator displaceable to transfer the contactfrom one to the other of two positions; a switch operator which isdistinct from said switch and is movable from a rest position to anoperated position to displace said switch actuator and thereby effect atransfer of said contact; a push button actuator which is distinct fromsaid switch operator and is movable between rest and operated positions,said push button actuator including means comprising an armature formoving said switch operator to the operated position thereof as saidpush button actuator is moved to its operated position; a permanentmagnet cooperable with said armature to maintain said push buttonactuator in the operated position and thereby maintain the switchoperator in its operated position; and an electromagnet energizable toneutralize the permanent magnet field and thereby allow said push buttonactuator and said switch operator to return to the rest positionsthereof.
 2. The electromechanical switching device of claim 1, whereinthere are a plurality of switches as aforesaid disposed in side-by-siderelationship, said switch operator being dimensioned to engage theactuators of all of said switches and thereby concurrently effect thetransfer of the contacts of the several switches.
 3. Theelectromechanical switching device of claim 1, wherein said switchoperator is physically and operationally located between said pushbutton actuator and said switch actuator and wherein said switchoperator includes biasing means for displacing the switch operator andthe push button actuator to their rest positions upon neutralization ofthe permanent magnet field.
 4. The electromechanical switching device ofclaim 2, wherein there are means in at least one of said switches forcompleting a circuit between two terminals thereof when the switchcontact is transferred by displacement of the switch actuator andincluding circuit means for connecting the coil of the electromagnet inseries with said terminals of said one switch and a source of operatingvoltage, whereby said electromagnet is energized when said actuator isin the actuated position thereof.
 5. An electromechanical switchingdevice comprising at least one switch having a contact and an actuatordisplaceable to transfer the contact from one to the other of twopositions; a switch operator which is distinct from said switch and ismovable from a rest position to an operated position to displace saidswitch actuator and thereby effect a transfer of said contact; a firstframe housing said switch and said switch operator; a push buttonactuator movable between rest and operated positions, said push buttonactuator including means comprising an armature for moving said switchoperator to the operated position thereof as said push button actuatoris moved to its operated position; a permanent magnet surrounding saidarmature for maintaining said push button actuator in the operatedposition thereof to thereby maintain the switch operator in its operatedposition; an electromagnet surrounding said armature, said electromagnetbeing energizable to neutralize the permanent magnet field and therebyallow said push button actuator and said switch operator to return tothe rest positions thereof; and a second frame housing said push buttonactuator, said permanent magnet, and said electromagnet.
 6. Theelectromechanical switching device of claim 5, wherein said second framehas an end wall and including means between said end wall and saidelectromagnet for biasing said electromagnet against said permanentmagnet.
 7. An electromechanical switching device comprising at least oneswitch having a contact and an actuator displaceable to transfer thecontact from one to the other of two positions; a switch operator whichis distinct from said switch movable from a rest position to an operatedposition to displace said switch actuator and thereby effect a transferof said contact; a push button actuator movable between rest andoperated positions, said push button actuator including means comprisingan armature for moving said switch operator to the operated positionthereof as said push button actuator is moved to Its operated position;a permanent magnet cooperable with said armature to maintain said pushbutton actuator in the operated position thereof and thereby maintainthe switch operator in its operated position; and an electromagnetenergizable to neutralize the permanent magnet field and thereby allowsaid push button actuator and said switch operator to return to the restpositions thereof, said switch operator being of the snap-acting typeand comprising a first pivotally mounted member having a portion thereofengageable with said switch actuator; a second member mounted forpivotal movement about an axis located in parallel, spaced relationshipto the pivot axis of said first member; and a spring connected betweensaid first and second members at locations removed from the pivot axesof said members and said push button actuator being positioned to engageand pivot said second member as said actuator is moved from its restposition to its operated position.
 8. The electromechanical switchingdevice of claim 7, wherein said switch comprises a housing having top,bottom, and end walls; a pair of elongated, spaced, substantially rigid,cantilevered contact arms secured to one of said end walls and extendingtoward the other end wall; fixed contacts on the facing surfaces of saidrigid contact arms at the free ends thereof; a resilient, elongatedcontact arm extending between said rigid arms and secured to said oneend wall; contact means on the opposite surfaces of said resilientcontact arm positioned to alternatively engage one or the other of saidfixed contacts; said actuator including an actuator member mounted formovement in a direction generally perpendicular to the centerline ofsaid resilient arm for controlling movement thereof, said actuatormember having an upper leg; means coupling the resilient contact arm tothe actuator member at a position between the actuator member and themovable contacts for effecting a snap movement of the resilient arm tomove the disengaged movable contact into engagement with the associatedfixed contact; and integral backing portions extending from said one endwall between said resilient contact arm and each of the rigid contactarms toward the other end wall.
 9. An electromechanical switching devicecomprising a switch module which includes a frame, a switch disposed insaid frame, and a spring loaded mechanism distinct from said switch foractuating the switch; an operator module comprising a frame, a pushbutton type actuator in said frame for operating the actuating mechanismin the switch module, means comprising said push button actuator and apermanent magnet for maintaining the push button actuator in theoperated position, and an electromagnet energizable to neutralize thepermanent magnet field and allow the push button actuator and the switchactuating mechanism to return to rest positions, said permanent magnetand said electromagnet being housed in said operator module frame; andmeans for detachably fixing the frame of said switch module to the frameof the operator module comprising a retainer fixed to the frame of saidoperator module, said retainer having means at one end thereof forreceiving one edge of the switch module frame and at least one resilientfinger means at the opposite end thereof for engaging an opposite edgeof said switch module frame.
 10. An electromechanical switching devicecomprising a switch module which includes a frame, a switch disposed insaid frame, and a switch operator movable from a rest position to anoperated position to displace said switch actuator and thereby effect atransfer of said contact, said switch operator comprising a first memberpivotally supported by said frame and having a portion thereofengageable with said switch actuator, a second member pivotallysupported by said frame for pivotal movement about an axis located inparallel, spaced relationship to the pivot axis of said first member,and a spring connected between said first and second members aTlocations removed from the pivot axes of said members; and an operatormodule distinct from said switch module comprising a frame, a pushbutton type actuator in said frame movable between rest and operatedpositions, said push button actuator having means including an armaturefor moving the switch operator to the operated position thereof as saidpush button actuator is moved to its operated position, a permanentmagnet which surrounds and is cooperable with said armature to maintainsaid push button actuator in the operated position thereof and therebymaintain the switch operator in its operated position, and anelectromagnet adjacent the permanent magnet and surrounding saidarmature which is energizable to neutralize the permanent magnet fieldand thereby allow said push button actuator and said switch operator tobe returned to the rest positions thereof by the spring in said switchoperator.
 11. The electromechanical switching device of claim 10,together with means for detachably fixing the frame of said switchmodule to the frame of the operator module which comprises a retainerfixed to the frame of said operator module, said retainer having meansat one end thereof for receiving one edge of the switch module frame andat least one resilient finger means at the opposite end thereof forengaging an opposite edge of said switch module frame.